Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device with a display panel including a display area and a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area, a photosensor layer including a sensing area overlapping the display area and a plurality of photosensors arranged in the sensing area, a light-guiding layer arranged between the display panel and the photosensor layer, the light-guiding layer includes a plurality of light-transmission holes corresponding to the plurality of photosensors, wherein the light-guiding layer includes a transparent tube bundle comprising a plurality of transparent tubes forming the light-transmission holes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/968,646, filed May 1, 2018, which claims priority from and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0126298, filed on Sep.28, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes asif fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to a displaydevice, and more specifically, to a display device embedded with afingerprint sensor.

Discussion of the Background

Recently, as display devices such as smart phones or tablet PCs havebeen used for various purposes such as electronic financialtransactions, authentication schemes using biological information of auser have been widely utilized. Among various biological informationauthentication schemes, the most commonly used scheme is anauthentication scheme using fingerprints. For this scheme, a fingerprintsensor is attached to a specific region of a display panel, and thus afingerprint sensing function may be provided.

Fingerprint sensors may be implemented with photosensitive means or thelike. For example, photosensitive fingerprint sensor may include aseparate light source, a lens, and a photosensor. When such afingerprint sensor is attached to a display panel, the thickness of adisplay device may increase, and manufacturing costs of the displaydevice may also increase.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toa display device, which enables a fingerprint sensor to be configuredwithout a separate external light source and which can increase theamount of light received by a photo sensor.

Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention may provide for a displaydevice. The display device may include a display panel including adisplay area and a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area, aphotosensor layer including a sensing area overlapping the display areaand a plurality of photosensors arranged in the sensing area, alight-guiding layer arranged between the display panel and thephotosensor layer and configured to include a plurality oflight-transmission holes corresponding to the photosensors,respectively, and a light-condensing layer arranged between the displaypanel and the photosensor layer to overlap the light-guiding layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixels may emit light to a front surfaceof the display panel, and the photosensor layer may be arranged on arear surface of the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-condensing layer may include atleast one of a first light-condensing layer arranged between the displaypanel and the light-guiding layer and a second light-condensing layerarranged between the light-guiding layer and the photosensor layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-condensing layer may include aplurality of condensing patterns that protrude in a direction towardsthe photosensor layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-condensing layer may include atleast one of a first direction prism sheet that includes a prism patternextending along a first direction, a second direction prism sheet thatincludes a prism pattern extending along a second direction crossing thefirst direction, a dot-shaped prism sheet that includes a dot-shapedprism pattern, and a lens sheet that includes a dot-shaped lens array.

In an exemplary embodiment, the prism pattern may include a protrusionthat has a triangular section, an apex angle of which ranges from 60° to120°, or that has a shape of a curved surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-condensing layer may be configuredto be integrated with the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may include one ormore mask layers, each including a plurality of openings that form thelight-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may include aplurality of protrusion patterns provided on an inner wall of at least apart of the light-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may include aplurality of mask layers, each including a plurality of openingscorresponding to the light-transmission holes, and a light-transmissivemiddle layer interposed between the mask layers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mask layers may include openings havingan identical size, and are stacked such that the openings of the masklayers completely overlap each other in regions respectivelycorresponding to the light-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the openings of the mask layers maypartially overlap each other in regions respectively corresponding tothe light-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mask layers may include openings havingdifferent sizes, and are configured such that at least certain portionsof the openings of the mask layers overlap each other in regionsrespectively corresponding to the light-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may include a basesubstrate on which the mask layers are arranged.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the mask layers may bedirectly arranged on a first surface of the photosensor layer, and thelight-guiding layer and the photosensor layer are configured to beintegrated with each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may be implementedas a transparent tube bundle that includes a plurality of transparenttubes forming the light-transmission holes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer may include alight-shielding film provided on a cylindrical surface of each of thetransparent tubes.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the transparent tubes may include afunctional coating film provided on at least one of a top surface and abottom surface thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the transparent tubes may be formedof an optical fiber.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pixels may include at least onelight-emitting element, and at least a part of the photosensors mayinclude a light-receiving unit disposed between emissive regions of atleast two adjacent pixels.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theinventive concepts.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views respectively illustrating a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G are plan views respectivelyillustrating a sensing area according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are circuit diagrams respectively illustratingan example of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are perspective views respectively illustratingan example of a light-condensing layer according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are sectional views respectively illustrating anexample of a light-condensing layer according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a light-guiding layeraccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are sectional views respectivelyillustrating a light-guiding layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating alight-guiding layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a method of manufacturing a light-guidinglayer according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are perspective views respectively illustratingan example of the transparent tube illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations ofimplementations of the invention. As used herein “embodiments” and“implementations” are interchangeable words that are non-limitingexamples of devices or methods employing one or more of the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that variousexemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details orwith one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, variousexemplary embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive.For example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of anexemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplaryembodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Yonly, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as,for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), andthe like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, todescribe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustratedin the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/ormanufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Forexample, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrationsof idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapesof regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from,for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in thedrawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions maynot reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are notnecessarily intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views respectively illustrating a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Indetail, FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a display panel providedin the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure and photosensors arranged to overlap at least aportion of the display panel.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure includes a display panel 110 havinga display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In an exemplaryembodiment, a portion of the display panel 110 may be set as a sensingarea SA in which a fingerprint may be sensed.

In the display area DA, a plurality of pixels PXL are arranged. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the pixels PXL may include at least onelight-emitting element. The display device displays an image in thedisplay area DA by driving the pixels PXL in accordance with inputtedimage data.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may include a sensingarea SA. That is, the display area DA and the sensing area SA mayoverlap each other, and at least a portion of the display area DA may beset as the sensing area SA.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, only a portion of the displayarea DA may be set as the sensing area SA or, alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 2, an entire portion of the display area DA may beset as the sensing area SA. Alternatively, in other exemplaryembodiments, the display area DA and the sensing area SA may be arrangedadjacent to each other such that only portions thereof overlap eachother.

That is, in exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the displayarea DA may be set as the sensing area SA, and thus a plurality ofpixels PXL may also be arranged in the sensing area SA. Further, in thesensing area SA, a plurality of photosensors PHS may be additionallyarranged.

In an exemplary embodiment, the photosensors PHS may be provided on theother surface (e.g., rear surface) opposite to the one surface (e.g.,front surface) on which an image is displayed, of both surfaces of thedisplay panel 110. Each of the photosensors PHS may use a light-emittingelement, provided in at least one pixel PXL arranged near thecorresponding photosensor PHS, as a light source for sensing afingerprint.

For this operation, the photosensors PHS may overlap at least some ofthe pixels PXL arranged in the sensing area SA or may be arranged nearthe pixels PXL. For example, at least some of the photosensors PHS maybe arranged to overlap a non-emissive area between adjacent pixels PXLarranged in the sensing area SA.

That is, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each ofthe photosensors PHS may configure each unit sensor together with atleast one pixel PXL arranged near it. In addition, the display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayfurther include a light-guiding layer provided with a plurality oflight-transmission holes corresponding to the photosensors PHS, whereeach light-transmission hole may configure each unit sensor togetherwith a photosensor PHS and a neighboring pixel PXL, which correspond tothe light-transmission hole. Such unit sensors may be gathered toconstitute a fingerprint sensor.

The non-display area NDA may be an area located near the display areaDA, and may mean a remaining area other than the display area DA. In anexemplary embodiment, the non-display area NDA may include a wiringarea, a pad area and/or various types of dummy areas.

The display device according to the above-described exemplary embodimentmay provide a fingerprint sensing function on the front surface of thedisplay panel 110 using the photosensors PHS configured in the sensingarea SA overlapping the display area DA. Further, the display deviceaccording to the above-described exemplary embodiment senses a user'sfingerprint using light emitted from the pixels PXL. Therefore, adisplay device embedded with a fingerprint sensor may be configured byusing the pixels PXL in the sensing area SA as light sources, withoutrequiring a separate external light source. Accordingly, the thicknessof the display device embedded with the fingerprint sensor may bereduced, and manufacturing costs may be decreased.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G are plan views respectivelyillustrating a sensing area according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In detail, FIGS. 3A to 3G illustrate differentexamples related to the sizes and/or array structures of pixels andphotosensors arranged in the sensing area. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3G, and the size, number, resolution and/or arrayrelationship of the pixels and/or photosensors arranged in the sensingarea may be variously changed.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the photosensors PHS may be arranged at the samedensity as that of pixels PXL in at least the sensing area SA. That is,a number of photosensors PHS identical to the number of pixels PXL maybe provided in the sensing area SA. In an exemplary embodiment, at leasta portion of each of the photo sensors PHS may overlap at least onepixel PXL. For example, each of the photosensors PHS may be arranged inan area in which a single pixel PXL is formed.

Referring to FIG. 3B, photosensors PHS more than pixels PXL provided inthe sensing area SA may be provided and densely arranged in the sensingarea SA at a density higher than that of the pixels PXL. Here, each ofthe photosensors PHS may have a size smaller than that of eachindividual pixel PXL.

Referring to FIG. 3C, photosensors PHS fewer than pixels PXL may beprovided and arranged at predetermined intervals in the sensing area SA.For example, the photosensors PHS may be arranged in an area in whichsome pixels PXL, among the pixels PXL arranged in the sensing area SA,are formed. Although, for convenience of description, an exemplaryembodiment in which one photosensor PHS is arranged every four pixelsPXL arranged in the sensing area SA is illustrated in FIG. 3C, thepresent disclosure is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment. Thatis, the number (or density) of photosensors PHS arranged in the sensingarea SA may be variously changed.

Referring to FIG. 3D, each of photosensors PHS may have a size greaterthan that of each individual pixel PXL, and may be arranged in an areaincluding an area in which pixels PXL corresponding to respectivephotosensors PHS are formed. In this case, photosensors PHS fewer thanpixels PXL may be provided and arranged at predetermined intervals inthe sensing area SA.

Referring to FIG. 3E, each of photosensors PHS may have a sizesufficient to cover a plurality of pixels PXL, and may be arranged tooverlap the plurality of pixels PXL.

Referring to FIG. 3F, each of photosensors PHS may be arranged in aregion between a plurality of adjacent pixels PXL, and may be arrangedsuch that at least a portion of the photosensor PHS overlaps theadjacent pixels PXL.

Referring to FIG. 3G, each of photosensors PHS may be arranged in a gapbetween adjacent pixels PXL so that the photosensor PHS does not overlapthe pixels PXL.

In accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiments, the size,number, density, and location of the photosensors PHS arranged in thesensing area SA and/or the array structure of the photosensors PHS withthe pixels PXL may be changed and implemented in various ways. Forexample, the size, number, density, and location of the photosensors PHSarranged in the sensing area SA and/or the array structure of thephotosensors PHS with the pixels PXL may be determined in considerationof various factors, such as a received light amount, density, and/orcrosstalk which are required for fingerprint sensing.

In addition, in FIGS. 3A to 3G, an exemplary embodiment in which thephotosensors PHS are arranged in the sensing area SA in the form of aregular array is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limitedto such an exemplary embodiment. For example, in other exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure, the photosensors PHS may beirregularly distributed to the sensing area SA.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are circuit diagrams respectively illustratingan example of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. For convenience of description, a certain pixelarranged in an i-th (where i is a natural number) horizontal line(horizontal pixel array) and a j-th (where j is a natural number)vertical line (vertical pixel array) is illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, according to an exemplary embodiment, eachpixel PXL includes at least one light-emitting element EL coupledbetween a scan line Si and a data line Dj. In an exemplary embodiment,the light-emitting element EL may be, but is not limited to, an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED).

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a firstelectrode, for example, an anode electrode, of the light-emittingelement EL may be coupled to the scan line Si, and a second electrode,for example, a cathode electrode, of the light-emitting element EL maybe coupled to the data line Dj. However, the coupling direction of thelight-emitting element EL may be changed. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the anode electrode of the light-emitting element EL may becoupled to the data line Dj, and the cathode electrode of thelight-emitting element EL may be coupled to the scan line Si.

The above-described pixel PXL may receive a scan signal and a datasignal from the scan line Si and the data line Dj, respectively, and mayemit light in response to the received signals. For example, when aforward voltage equal to or greater than a threshold voltage is appliedbetween the first and second electrodes thereof, the light-emittingelement EL may emit light at luminance corresponding to the magnitude ofthe voltage. Therefore, light emission of each pixel PXL may becontrolled by controlling the voltages of the scan signal and/or thedata signal.

Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, each pixel PXL may include a light-emitting element ELcoupled between a first power source ELVDD and a second power sourceELVSS and a pixel circuit PXLC coupled between the first power sourceELVDD and the light-emitting element EL and further coupled to a scanline Si and a data line Dj. Here, the location of the pixel circuit PXLCis not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, thepixel circuit PXLC may also be coupled between the light-emittingelement EL and the second power source ELVSS.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first power source ELVDD and the secondpower source ELVSS have different potentials. For example, the firstpower source ELVDD may be set to a high-potential power source, and thesecond power source ELVSS may be set to a low-potential power source. Apotential difference between the first power source ELVDD and the secondpower source ELVSS, that is, a voltage applied therebetween, may begreater than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element EL.

The light-emitting element EL is coupled to the first power source ELVDD(or the second power source ELVSS) via the pixel circuit PXLC. Such alight-emitting element EL emits light at luminance corresponding to adriving current supplied from the pixel circuit PXLC.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the pixel circuitPXLC may include first and second transistors M1 and M2 and a capacitorC.

The first transistor (e.g., switching transistor) M1 is coupled betweenthe data line Dj and a first node N1. Further, a gate electrode of thefirst transistor M1 is coupled to the scan line Si. The first transistorM1 may be turned on when a scan signal is supplied to the scan line Si,and may then electrically couple the data line Dj to the first node N1.Therefore, when the first transistor M1 is turned on, a data signalsupplied to the data line Dj is transferred to the first node N1.

The second transistor (e.g., driving transistor) M2 is coupled betweenthe first power source ELVDD and the light-emitting element EL. Further,a gate electrode of the second transistor M2 is coupled to the firstnode N1. The second transistor M2 controls a driving current flowinginto the light-emitting element EL in response to the voltage of thefirst node N1. For example, the second transistor M2 may control thesupply/non-supply of the driving current and/or the magnitude of thedriving current in response to the voltage of the first node N1.

The capacitor C is coupled between the first power source ELVDD and thefirst node N1. The capacitor C stores a voltage corresponding to thedata signal supplied to the first node N1 and maintains the storedvoltage until a data signal corresponding to a subsequent frame issupplied.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel circuit PXLC may further includeat least one circuit element. For example, the pixel circuit PXLC mayfurther include a third transistor (e.g., emission control transistor)M3, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

The third transistor M3 is disposed on a current path through which thedriving current flows into the light-emitting element EL. For example,the third transistor M3 may be coupled between the second transistor M2and the light-emitting element EL. Alternatively, in other exemplaryembodiments, the third transistor M3 may also be coupled between thefirst power source ELVDD and the second transistor M2. A gate electrodeof the third transistor M3 is coupled to an emission control line Ei.

In an exemplary embodiment, an emission control signal for controllingthe emission time point (or emission period) of the pixel PXL duringeach frame period may be supplied to the emission control line Ei. Forexample, during a period in which the scan signal is supplied to thescan line Si, an emission control signal corresponding to a gate-offvoltage for turning off the third transistor M3 may be supplied to theemission control line Ei, and an emission control signal correspondingto a gate-on voltage for turning on the third transistor M3 may besupplied to the emission control line Ei after the data signal for eachframe has been stored in the pixel PXL.

When the third transistor M3 is provided, light emission of pixels PXLmay be easily controlled. For example, during a period in which afingerprint sensing mode is executed, the light emission of the pixelsPXL may be easily controlled.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the structure of each pixel PXL isnot limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 4A to 4D.For example, the pixel circuit PXLC may be configured using variouswell-known structures.

FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Further,FIG. 5B is a sectional view illustrating a display device, especially asensing area, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a displaydevice in which an entire portion of a display area is configured as asensing area is illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display module100 having a display panel 110, a photosensor layer 400 arranged on onesurface of the display panel 110, and a light-condensing layer 200 and alight-guiding layer 300 arranged between the display panel 110 and thephotosensor layer 400 to overlap each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display module 100 includes at least thedisplay panel 110, and may further include one or more functional layers120 and/or a window 130, which are arranged on an image display surface(e.g., a front surface) of the display panel 110, in addition to thedisplay panel 110. However, according to an exemplary embodiment, atleast one of the functional layers 120 and the window 130 may be omittedor may be integrated with the display panel 110.

The display panel 110 includes a plurality of pixels PXL arranged in adisplay area DA. In an exemplary embodiment, the pixels PXL may include,but are not limited to, a first pixel PXL1 for emitting light having afirst color (e.g., red), a second pixel PXL2 for emitting light having asecond color (e.g., blue), and a third pixel PXL3 for emitting lighthaving a third color (e.g., green). These pixels PXL may be distributedto the display area DA based on a predetermined rule. For example, thepixels PXL may be distributed to the display area DA in a pentile type,but may also be distributed to the display area DA in other variousshapes.

In detail, the display panel 110 includes a first substrate 111 and asecond substrate 117 (or an encapsulation layer) arranged over onesurface (e.g., an image display surface) of the first substrate 111.That is, the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 117 may faceeach other.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first substrate 111 andthe second substrate 117 may be, but is not limited to, a glasssubstrate or a plastic substrate. For example, the first substrate 111and/or the second substrate 117 may be a flexible substrate including amaterial corresponding to at least one of polyethersulfone (PES),polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), triacetatecellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Further, thefirst substrate 111 and/or the second substrate 117 may be a rigidsubstrate including any one of glass and tempered glass. That is, thefirst substrate 111 and/or the second substrate 117 may be a substratemade of a transparent material, that is, a light-transmissive substrate.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first substrate111 and the second substrate 117 may be composed of one or moreinsulating layers that include at least one inorganic layer and/ororganic layer or an organic/inorganic hybrid layer. For example, thesecond substrate 117 may be a thin-film encapsulation (TFE) layerincluding one or more insulating layers that include at least oneinorganic layer and/or organic layer or an organic/inorganic hybridlayer.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pixels PXL may be arrangedbetween the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 117. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the pixels PXL may include at least onelight-emitting element EL. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, each ofthe pixels PXL may further include at least one transistor M coupled tothe light-emitting element EL.

For example, each of the pixels PXL may include a transistor M disposedon one surface (e.g., top surface) of the first substrate 111 and alight-emitting element EL electrically coupled to the transistor M. Inan exemplary embodiment, the transistor M may include an active layerACT, a gate electrode GE, and source and drain electrodes SE and DE. Inan exemplary embodiment, the active layer ACT may be arranged on thefirst substrate 111, and the gate electrode GE may be arranged tooverlap the active layer ACT, with a first insulating layer 112interposed between the gate electrode GE and the active layer ACT. In anexemplary embodiment, the source and drain electrodes SE and DE may bearranged on a second insulating layer 113 disposed on the gate electrodeGE, and may then be coupled to the active layer ACT through contactholes formed in the first and second insulating layers 112 and 113.Meanwhile, the structure of the transistor M is not limited to suchexemplary embodiments, and the transistor may be implemented in variouswell-known structures.

In an exemplary embodiment, a third insulating layer 114 may be arrangedon the source and drain electrodes SE and DE, and the light-emittingelement EL may be arranged on the third insulating layer 114. Thelight-emitting element EL may be electrically coupled to the transistorM through via holes formed in the third insulating layer 114.

The light-emitting element EL may include a first electrode ELT1 and asecond electrode ELT2 that overlap each other in at least a certainregion, and an emissive layer EML interposed between the first andsecond electrodes ELT1 and ELT2. In an exemplary embodiment, the firstelectrode ELT1 and the second electrode ELT2 may be, but are not limitedto, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, respectively. Forexample, according to the pixel structure, the first electrode ELT1electrically coupled to the transistor M may be the cathode electrode.In an exemplary embodiment, a pixel-defining layer 115 may be arrangedbetween light-emitting units of pixels PXL (e.g., regions in which thefirst electrode ELT1 and the emissive layer EML of the light-emittingelement EL are provided). Further, a fourth insulating layer 116 may beinterposed between the light-emitting element EL and the secondsubstrate 117.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 110 may be implementedsuch that at least a portion thereof is transparent or semi-transparent,thus allowing light to pass therethrough. For example, the display panel110 may include pixels PXL and/or light-transmission regions LTParranged near the pixels PXL.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-transmission regions LTP may beconfigured below the pixels PXL, as well as on the pixels PXL. Forexample, the light-transmission regions LTP may be present even gaps inwhich light-shielding elements, such as circuit elements constitutingeach pixel PXL and/or wires coupled to the circuit elements, are notarranged. That is, the light-transmission regions LTP allowing light topass therethrough may be distributed to the inside of the display areaDA.

More specifically, each light-transmission region LTP may not onlyinclude a region in which only transparent elements (e.g., insulatinglayers or the like), among regions of the display panel 110, arearranged, but also inclusively mean a region which has a transmissivityof greater than 0% and is capable of transmitting at least a part oflight generated from the display panel 110 or light incident on thedisplay panel 110, among regions in which opaque or semi-transparentelements are arranged. For example, the light-transmission regions LTPmay be configured in gaps in which light-shielding elements are notarranged, among regions between the light-emitting units of the pixelsPXL, for example, regions in which the pixel-defining layer 115 isprovided.

The functional layers 120 may include a polarizing layer, a touch sensorlayer, an adhesive layer and/or a protective layer, but theconfiguration of the functional layers 120 is not especially limited. Inan exemplary embodiment, the functional layers 120 may be omitted or maybe integrated with the display panel 110. For example, the functionallayers 120 may be directly formed or provided on the second substrate117.

The window 130 may be arranged in an uppermost portion of the displaymodule 100. In an exemplary embodiment, an opaque pattern for hiding thenon-display area NDA of the display panel 110, for example, a blackmatrix BM, may be provided on the border of the window 130.

The light-condensing layer 200, the light-guiding layer 300, and thephotosensor layer 400 may be sequentially arranged on the other surfaceof the display module 100. For example, assuming that the pixels PXLemit light to the front surface of the display panel 110 and then animage is displayed on the front surface of the display panel 110, thelight-condensing layer 200, the light-guiding layer 300, and thephotosensor layer 400 may be sequentially arranged on the rear surfaceof the display panel 110.

The light-condensing layer 200 may downwardly condense light, whichpasses through the display module 100 and is emitted to the rear surfaceof the display panel 110, to a portion below the light-condensing layer200, in which the photosensor layer 400 is arranged. For this, thelight-condensing layer 200 may have a plurality of protrusions whichprotrude in a direction towards the photosensor layer 400 and formrespective condensing patterns 210. For example, the light-condensinglayer 200 may include at least one prism sheet and/or lens sheet, andthe condensing patterns 210 may each be implemented as a prism patternor a spherical lens array (or a spherical prism pattern).

When the light-condensing layer 200 is provided in this way, the amountof light received by the photosensor layer 400 (i.e., received lightamount) may be increased. Accordingly, the received light amount of thephotosensor layer 400 may be sufficiently secured during a fingerprintsensing period.

The light-guiding layer 300 includes a plurality of light-transmissionholes LTH corresponding to the photosensors PHS. For example, thelight-guiding layer 300 may be composed of one or more mask layers (ormask sheets), each having a plurality of openings forming thelight-transmission holes LTH. Here, a remaining region of thelight-guiding layer 300, other than the light-transmission holes LTH,may be made of a light-shielding and/or light-absorbing material. Forexample, the light-guiding layer 300 may be implemented as a black masklayer provided with openings corresponding to the light-transmissionholes LTH.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding layer 300 may include aplurality of light-transmission holes LTH corresponding to respectivelight-receiving units of the photosensors PHS, and eachlight-transmission hole LTH may overlap the light-receiving unit of thephotosensor PHS corresponding thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, assuming that the pixels PXL emit light inthe direction of the second substrate 117, that is, the direction of thefront surface, the light-transmission holes LTH are configured suchthat, of light that has been reflected from a user's finger (especiallya fingerprint region) and that has been again incident on the displaypanel 110, reflected light having a predetermined direction and/or anangle falling within a predetermined range may pass through thelight-transmission holes LTH. For example, the light-transmission holesLTH may be vertically formed through the light-guiding layer 300 sothat, of the reflected light that has been again incident on the displaypanel 110, light vertically incident on the display panel 110 mayselectively pass through the light-transmission holes LTH.

The light-transmission holes LTH may function as a filter for allowingonly partial reflected light that matches a predetermined directionand/or a predetermined angle, of all light reflected from the user'sfinger, to selectively pass therethrough. For example, thelight-transmission holes LTH may mainly transmit reflected light thathas been diagonally incident on the user's finger (especially afingerprint region) from at least one pixel PXL and has been reflectedfrom the user's finger in a direction approximately vertical to thedisplay panel 110. In this way, when a fingerprint is sensed using lightdiagonally emitted to the user's finger, the light and shade of thefingerprint are more distinctive, and thus a fingerprint pattern may bemore easily detected. Further, when the light-guiding layer 300 isconfigured using a light-shielding mask layer including a plurality ofopenings corresponding to the light-transmission holes LTH, afingerprint sensor may be implemented without requiring a separate lens,and deterioration of resolution attributable to diffraction of light maybe prevented.

Although, for convenience of description, the shape of thelight-transmission holes LTH is illustrated as being a cylindrical shapein FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape, size (e.g., diameter, sectional areaand/or height), number and/or array structure of the light-transmissionholes LTH may be variously changed. For example, various shapes oflight-transmission holes LTH may be formed in the light-guiding layer300 in consideration of various factors, such as a received light amountand resolution required by each photosensor PHS. For example, in otherexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, light-transmissionholes LTH may have other shapes such as the shape of a polyprism or atruncated cone.

The photosensor layer 400 may include a photosensor array composed of aplurality of photosensors PHS. Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, anoptical filter (e.g., IR filter) for transmitting or blocking lighthaving a specific wavelength may be additionally arranged on one surfaceof the photosensor layer 400, in particular, a top surface of thephotosensor layer 400 on which the light-receiving units of thephotosensors PHS are arranged.

In an exemplary embodiment, each photosensor PHS may form a unit sensorUNS together with the light-transmission hole LTH corresponding thereto.Meanwhile, the display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure is a display device embedded with a fingerprintsensor, which senses a fingerprint using the internal light of thedisplay panel 110. The display device senses a fingerprint by causing atleast some of pixels PXL in the sensing area SA to emit light during afingerprint sensing period. Therefore, it may be considered that,together with a pair of a photosensor PHS and a light-transmission holeLTH corresponding to each other, at least one pixel PXL arranged nearthe pair may configure a unit sensor UNS. In the sensing area SA, aplurality of unit sensors UNS may be arranged, and these unit sensorsUNS may be gathered to constitute a fingerprint sensor.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the photosensors PHS may be, but isnot limited to, any one of a photodiode, a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) camera. At least some of the photosensors PHS may include alight-receiving unit overlapping a light-transmission region LTP betweenemissive areas of at least two adjacent pixels PXL, and may generateoutput signals corresponding to light incident on the light-receivingunit after passing through the light-transmission region LTP and thecorresponding light-transmission hole LTH. The output signals generatedfrom the photo sensors PHS may be inputted to a fingerprint detectioncircuit (not illustrated), and may be used to generate fingerprintinformation of the user. That is, the display device according to theexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may sense the fingerprintpattern of a finger placed on the display panel 110 using the outputsignals from the photosensors PHS.

A method of sensing a fingerprint using the display device according tothe above-described exemplary embodiments is described in brief below.During a fingerprint sensing period in which photosensors PHS areenabled, the fingerprint sensing method configures at least some of thepixels PXL in the sensing area SA to emit light, with the user's finger(especially a fingerprint region) touching (or approaching) the sensingarea SA. For example, during the fingerprint sensing period, all pixelsPXL in the sensing area SA may be configured to simultaneously orsequentially emit light. Alternatively, among the pixels PXL in thesensing area SA, only some pixels PXL may be configured to emit light atpredetermined intervals or only some pixels PXL for emitting lighthaving a specific color (e.g., short-wavelength light, such as bluelight) may be configured to selectively emit light, and may then be usedas light sources for sensing a fingerprint.

Then, a part of light emitted from the pixels PXL may be reflected fromthe user's finger and may then be incident on the photosensors PHS vialight-transmission regions LTP and light-transmission holes LTH. Here,the amounts and/or waveforms of lights (i.e., reflected lights RFLr andRFLv), reflected from a ridge and a valley of the fingerprint, maydiffer from each other, so that such a difference is detected, and thusthe fingerprint shape (fingerprint pattern) of the user may be detected.

Meanwhile, since the display device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure may further include the light-condensing layer200 arranged between the display panel 110 and the photosensor layer400, for example, on the top of the light-guiding layer 300, thereceived light amount of each photosensor PHS may be increased.Accordingly, the received light amount of the photosensor layer 400 maybe sufficiently secured during a fingerprint sensing period, and thusfingerprint sensing performance may be improved.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure, and illustrate in detail a modification of theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the samereference numerals are used to designate components similar or identicalto those in the above-described exemplary embodiments, and thus adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a light-condensing layer 200 may beintegrated with a display panel 110. For example, the bottom surface ofthe display panel 110 (e.g., the rear surface of a first substrate 111)may be formed such that a plurality of condensing patterns 210 arearranged on the bottom surface.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure, and illustrate in detail a modification of theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the samereference numerals are used to designate components similar or identicalto those in the above-described exemplary embodiments, and thus adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a light-condensing layer 200 may bearranged between a light-guiding layer 300 and a photosensor layer 400.That is, the light-condensing layer 200, which is arranged between adisplay module 100 and the photosensor layer 400 to overlap thelight-guiding layer 300, may be disposed on a path through which lightpasses through the display module 100 is incident on the photosensorlayer 400. Such a light-condensing layer 200 may improve received lightamounts of photosensors PHS by condensing light incident from thedisplay module 100 to the photosensors PHS.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded perspective view and a sectional viewillustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure, and illustrate in detail a modification of theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the samereference numerals are used to designate components similar or identicalto those in the above-described exemplary embodiments, and thus adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a firstlight-condensing layer 200 a arranged between a display panel 110 and alight-guiding layer 300 and a second light-condensing layer 200 barranged between the light-guiding layer 300 and a photosensor layer400. In an exemplary embodiment, the first light-condensing layer 200 aand the second light-condensing layer 200 b may include identical typesor different types of condensing patterns 210. For example, the firstlight-condensing layer 200 a and/or the second light-condensing layer200 b may include prism pattern-shaped condensing patterns 210 or mayinclude spherical or lenticular condensing patterns 210, each having atleast a curved portion.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are perspective views respectively illustratingan example of a light-condensing layer according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a light-condensing layer 200 may beconfigured using at least one prism sheet (or at least one prism patternlayer) that includes a plurality of prism patterns 210 a and 210 bextending along any direction. For example, the light-condensing layer200 may include at least one of an x-direction prism sheet (or anx-direction prism pattern layer) including a prism pattern 210 a inwhich prism mountains (protrusions of the prism sheet) are extendedalong an x direction, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, and a y direction prismsheet (or a y-direction prism pattern layer) including a prism pattern210 b in which prism mountains are extended along a y direction, asillustrated in FIG. 9B. For example, the light-condensing layer 200 maybe implemented as an independent x-direction or y-direction prism sheet,or as a multilayer structure in which the x-direction prism sheet andthe y-direction prism sheet are stacked.

Referring to FIG. 9C, the light-condensing layer 200 may include atleast one dot-shaped prism sheet (or at least one dot-shaped prismpattern layer) including a dot-shaped prism pattern 210 c. For example,the light-condensing layer 200 may include a pyramidal dot-shaped prismpattern 210 c.

Referring to FIG. 9D, the light-condensing layer 200 may include atleast one lens sheet (or at least one dot-shaped lens pattern layer)including a dot-shaped lens array. In an exemplary embodiment, thedot-shaped lens array may be composed of a plurality of curved lenspatterns 210 d. For example, the dot-shaped lens array may beimplemented as an assembly of hemispherical embossed patterns.

As in the above-described exemplary embodiments, the light-condensinglayer 200 may have various types of condensing patterns, for example,the prism patterns 210 a, 210 b, and 210 c and/or the curved lenspatterns 210 d. Further, the light-condensing layer 200 may beimplemented as an independent light-condensing layer, such as thatillustrated in any one of FIGS. 9A to 9D, or as a combination (e.g., alaminated or stacked structure) of at least two of the light-condensinglayers, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9D.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are sectional views respectively illustrating anexample of a light-condensing layer according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure, and illustrate different examples related tosections of condensing patterns.

Referring to FIG. 10A, each of the above-described condensing patterns210 may be implemented in the shape of the prism pattern 210 a, 210 b or210 c, and each of the prism patterns 210 a, 210 b, and 210 c may havean isosceles triangular section having an apex angle (or, a verticalangle) 0 falling within a predetermined range. For example, each of thecondensing patterns 210 may be a triangular prism pattern. In anexemplary embodiment, the apex angle θ of the prism pattern 210 a, 210 bor 210 c may be set by collectively considering the facilitation andreliability of a process, condensing efficiency, etc.

For example, the apex angle θ may be set within a range from 60° to120°. When the apex angle θ is less than 60°, a process of manufacturingthe prism pattern 210 a, 210 b or 210 c may be complicated, or a portioncorresponding to the apex angle θ may be easily damaged, whereas whenthe apex angle θ is greater than 120°, condensing efficiency may berelatively low, and thus it may be difficult to obtain a desiredcondensing effect.

Meanwhile, as described above with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C, thelight-condensing layer 200 may be configured by combining x-directionand y-direction prism sheets, or utilizing dot-shaped prism sheets. Inthis case, condensing efficiency may be further improved. For example,when the x-direction or y-direction prism sheet is independently used toconfigure a one-direction light-condensing layer 200, a condensing gainmay be about 1.3, whereas when a cross-type light-condensing layer 200is configured using a combination of the x-direction and y-directionprism sheets or using the dot-shaped prism sheets, the condensing gainmay be increased up to about 1.5.

Referring to FIG. 10B, each prism pattern 210 a, 210 b or 210 c may havea curved prism mountain (a protrusion having a curved surface, or, acircular/semicircular protrusion). That is, in an exemplary embodiment,the portion corresponding to the apex angle θ, illustrated in FIG. 10A,may be modified into a curved shape. In this case, condensing efficiencymay be slightly decreased compared to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10A, but it is possible to obtain a condensing gainto some degree, and the facilitation and reliability of a process may besecured.

In addition, a section having the shape of a curved lens patterns 210 d,such as that illustrated in FIG. 10C, may be acquired by forming theentire portion of each of the prism patterns 210 a, 210 b, and 210 c inthe shape of a curved surface. In this case, condensing efficiency maybe slightly decreased compared to the exemplary embodiments illustratedin FIGS. 10A and 10B, but a condensing gain may be obtained to somedegree, for example, as about 1.2, and the facilitation and reliabilityof a process may be secured.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a light-guiding layeraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, a light-guiding layer 300 may include a pluralityof protrusion patterns 310 provided on inner walls of at least some oflight-transmission holes LTH. For example, a plurality of protrusionpatterns 310 may be formed on respective inner walls (cylindricalsurfaces) of the light-transmission holes LTH. In an exemplaryembodiment, each of the protrusion patterns 310 may have a wedge shapeor a hemispherical shape, and, in addition, the shapes of the protrusionpatterns 310 may be changed to various forms. Further, the size, thenumber and/or the array structure of the protrusion patterns 310 formedin respective light-transmission holes LTH may be changed in variousforms. For example, the plurality of protrusion patterns 310 may beregularly or irregularly distributed to respective inner walls of thelight-transmission holes LTH.

When the protrusion patterns 310 are formed in the inner walls of thelight-transmission holes LTH in this way, light LATL diagonally incidenton the inner walls of the light-transmission holes LTH may be scatteredand/or absorbed. Accordingly, of the light incident on the light-guidinglayer 300, only light corresponding to a desired direction and/or adesired angle may selectively pass through the light-guiding layer 300,and thus the light-guiding characteristics of the light-guiding layer300 may be improved. Further, the angle and/or amount of light that iscapable of passing through the light-guiding layer 300 may be controlledby adjusting the shapes and/or sizes of the light-transmission holes LTHand/or the protrusion patterns 310.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are sectional views respectivelyillustrating a light-guiding layer according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure. In detail, FIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate anexemplary embodiment in which the light-guiding layer is configured in amultilayer stack structure, and illustrate different modificationsrelated to this structure.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the light-guiding layer 300 may include aplurality of mask layers 320 arranged on a base substrate 301 and amiddle layer 330 interposed between the mask layers 320. In an exemplaryembodiment, the base substrate 301 may be arranged on a display panel110.

The base substrate 301 and the middle layer 330 may each be made of atransparent or semitransparent material that satisfieslight-transmission properties within a predetermined range. In anexemplary embodiment, the base substrate 301 may be a thin-filmsubstrate made of a wafer, glass, plastic or metal material, and may beimplemented as, for example, a transparent thin film. However, thematerial forming the base substrate 301 and/or the thickness rangethereof are not especially limited. In an exemplary embodiment, themiddle layer 330 may include a substantially transparentorganic/inorganic material, and may include, for example, at least onelight-transmissive organic layer and/or inorganic layer. However, thematerial forming the middle layer 330 and/or the thickness range thereofare not especially limited.

Each mask layer 320 may include a plurality of openings OPNcorresponding to respective light-transmission holes LTH, and aremaining region other than the openings OPN may be made of alight-shielding and/or light-absorbing material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base substrate 301 and the mask layer320 may each be configured in the shape of a thin film. For example, thelight-guiding layer 300 may be formed using a scheme for sequentiallydepositing thin-film mask layers 320 on the thin-film base substrate301. Accordingly, the thickness (or height) H1 of the light-guidinglayer 300 may be minimized.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the mask layers 320 may haveopenings OPN having the same size, and may be stacked such that theopenings OPN of the mask layers 320 completely overlap each other inregions corresponding to the light-transmission holes LTH respectively.Here, the term “completely overlap” may denote a state in which theopenings OPN are aligned such that they may maximally overlap each otherwithin a range including a predetermined error range in which error mayoccur in a process.

In accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiment, in thelight-guiding layer 300 configured in a multilayer stack structure,diagonal incident light LATL at an angle at which light cannot passthrough all vertically overlapping openings OPN is extinguished whilebeing continuously scattered, reflected and/or absorbed between the masklayers 320. Accordingly, of the light incident on the light-guidinglayer 300, only light corresponding to a desired direction and/or adesired angle may selectively pass through the light-guiding layer 300,and thus the light-guiding properties of the light-guiding layer 300 maybe improved.

Referring to FIG. 12B, in an exemplary embodiment, the mask layers 320may have openings OPN having the same size, and may be stacked such thatthe openings OPN of the mask layers 320 only partially overlap eachother in regions corresponding to the light-transmission holes LTHrespectively. For example, the openings OPN may be alternately stackedin zigzags on every single mask layer 320. Alternatively, the openingsOPN may be alternately stacked in zigzags on every multiple mask layers320.

Referring to FIG. 12C, the light-guiding layer 300 may have openingsOPN, the size of which changes every single mask layer 320 or graduallychanges every multiple mask layers 320. That is, the mask layers 320 mayhave openings OPN having different sizes. Further, at least certainportions of the openings OPN of the mask layers 320 may overlap eachother in the regions corresponding to respective light-transmissionholes LTH.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 12B and 12C, theremay be obtained an effect in which the protrusion patterns 310, such asthose illustrated in FIG. 11, are applied to the light-guiding layer 300having a multilayer stack structure. Accordingly, the light-guidingproperties of the light-guiding layer 300 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 12D, the light-guiding layer 300 may be directlyarranged and/or formed on one surface of the photosensor layer 400. Forexample, a plurality of mask layers 320 are sequentially deposited onone surface of the photosensor layer 400 (e.g., a top surface on whichthe light-receiving units of photosensors PHS are located), and thus thelight-guiding layer 300 may be formed. In this case, the base substrate301, illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, may not be provided, and thelight-guiding layer 300 and the photosensor layer 400 may be integratedwith each other.

In accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiments, a distancebetween the light-guiding layer 300 and the photosensor layer 400 may beminimized. Accordingly, interference between lights TRL1 and TRL2,having passed through adjacent light-transmission holes LTH,respectively, may be prevented, and the overall thickness (or height) H2of the light-guiding layer 300 and the photosensor layer 400 may beminimized. Further, in accordance with the above-described exemplaryembodiments, respective light-transmission holes LTH may be easilyaligned on the photosensors PHS corresponding thereto. Accordingly, analignment margin (or error) MAR may be minimized.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating alight-guiding layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the light-guiding layer 300 may beimplemented as a transparent tube bundle that includes a plurality oftransparent tubes 340 forming light-transmission holes LTH. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the transparent tubes 340 may have, but isnot limited to, a cylindrical shape. For example, the shape of eachtransparent tube 340 may be changed to other shapes such as a prismaticshape. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the transparent tubes 340may be made of glass, an optical fiber, a plastic material or the like,but is not limited thereto. That is, the material forming thetransparent tubes 340 may be variously changed.

In an exemplary embodiment, a light-shielding film BLC containing alight-shielding material and/or a light-absorbing material may beprovided on a cylindrical surface (e.g., an outer wall) of each of thetransparent tubes 340. For example, respective cylindrical surfaces ofthe transparent tubes 340 may be coated with a light-shielding materialhaving a dark color such as black and may be bonded to each other. Thatis, in an exemplary embodiment, the light-shielding film BLC may beimplemented as, but is not limited to, a black coating film.

In accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiment, thetransparent tubes 340 may be densely disposed. Accordingly, the receivedlight amounts of the photosensors PHS may be increased by increasing theopening ratio of the light-guiding layer 300. Furthermore, since thelight-shielding film BLC is arranged between the transparent tubes 340,light interference between adjacent transparent tubes 340 may beprevented, and light-guiding properties may be improved.

Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, one or more functional coatingfilms may be provided on at least one of the top surface and the bottomsurface of each of the transparent tubes 340. For example, the topsurface and/or the bottom surface of each of the transparent tubes 340may be coated with an anti-reflective layer, an Infrared Ray (IR) filterand/or a color filter. Accordingly, desired functions may be easilyapplied to the light-guiding layer 300.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a method of manufacturing thelight-guiding layer according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 13Aand 13B.

Referring to FIG. 14, under step ST1, each transparent tube 340 a isprepared. Here, the diameter of the transparent tube 340 a may besubstantially identical to that of the light-transmission holes LTHdesired to be formed in the light-guiding layer 300.

Thereafter, under step ST2, an outer surface of the transparent tube 340a is individually coated with a light-shielding material and/or alight-absorbing material. For example, a black coating film is formed onthe outer surface of each transparent tube 340 a, and thus alight-shielding film BLC may be formed on the outer surface of thetransparent tube 340.

Thereafter, under step ST3, a transparent tube bundle is formed bybonding a plurality of transparent tubes 340 a to each other, eachtransparent tube 340 a being coated with the light-shielding film BLC.

Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, the transparent tubes 340 a maybe bonded to each other using an adhesive having light-shieldingproperties, and thus a process for forming the light-shielding film BLCand a process for bonding the transparent tubes 340 a may be integratedwith each other.

Thereafter, under step ST4, the transparent tube bundle is cut inaccordance with the thickness (or height) H3 of the light-transmissionholes LTH desired to be formed in the light-guiding layer 300.

Under step ST5, in at least a part of the cut transparent tube bundle,the light-shielding film BLC may remain on a top surface UPS and/or abottom surface DWS thereof. Here, the light-shielding film BLC isremoved from the top surface and/or the bottom surface of thetransparent tube bundle on which the light-shielding film BLC remains onthe top surface and/or the bottom surface. For example, thelight-shielding film BLC on the top surface and/or the bottom surface ofthe transparent tube bundle may be removed using a grinding operation.Accordingly, each transparent tube bundle is formed to allow light topass through the top surface and the bottom surface thereof.Accordingly, the light-guiding layer 300 is manufactured.

In an exemplary embodiment, under step ST6, a functional coating filmFUC may be additionally formed on the top surface and/or the bottomsurface of each transparent tube 340. For example, the top surfaceand/or the bottom surface of the transparent tube bundle may be coatedwith an anti-reflective layer. However, the step of forming thefunctional coating film FUC may be selectively performed, and may beadded if necessary.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are perspective views respectively illustratingan example of the transparent tube illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13Btogether with the light-guiding property of the respective transparenttube.

Referring to FIG. 15A, each transparent tube 340 selectively transmitsincident light which is inputted in a specific direction and/or at anangle within a specific range, among incident lights LH1, LH2, and LH3inputted in various directions and/or at various angles. For example,the transparent tube 340 transmits the incident light LH2 which isinputted in a vertical direction (or in a diagonal direction fallingwithin a predetermined angle range with respect to the verticaldirection), and extinguishes remaining incident lights LH1 and LH3through dispersion and/or absorption. Here, each transparent tube 340includes a light-shielding film BLC formed on a cylindrical surfacethereof, thus preventing light interference from occurring betweenadjacent transparent tubes 340.

Referring to FIG. 15B, each transparent tube 340 may be formed of anoptical fiber including either a core or a core and a clad. In thiscase, among the incident lights LH1, LH2, and LH3 on the transparenttube 340, the incident light LH2 corresponding to a vertical direction(a diagonal direction falling within a predetermined angle range withrespect to the vertical direction) passes through the transparent tube340, and the remaining incident lights LH1 and LH3 may also pass throughthe transparent tube 340 while being totally reflected from the insideof the transparent tube 340. Therefore, when each transparent tube 340is formed of an optical fiber, optical loss may be minimized and thereceived light amounts of photosensors PHS may be increased owing tototal reflection effect.

Meanwhile, when each transparent tube 340 is formed of an optical fiber,light interference may be prevented from occurring between adjacenttransparent tubes 340 even if a light-shielding film BLC is not formed.Therefore, in this case, the light-shielding film BLC may not beprovided, and the cylindrical surface of each transparent tube 340 maybe substantially transparent, as illustrated in FIG. 15C. That is, whenthe transparent tube 340 is formed of an optical fiber, the cylindricalsurface of the transparent tube 340 may be coated with thelight-shielding film BLC, or not.

As described above, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments,pixels PXL provided on the display panel 110 may be used as a lightsource of a fingerprint sensor to sense a user's fingerprint, and thus afingerprint sensor may be configured within a display device withoutrequiring a separate external light source. Accordingly, the thicknessof the display device embedded with a fingerprint sensor may be reduced,and manufacturing cost of the display device may be decreased.

Further, in accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiments,the light-condensing layer 200, the light-guiding layer 300, and thephotosensor layer 400 may be arranged on the rear surface of the displaypanel 110 (surface opposite an image display surface), thus preventingthe photosensor layer 400 or the like from being perceived by the user.Accordingly, deterioration of image quality attributable to a structurein which a fingerprint sensor is configured in at least a portion of thedisplay area DA may be prevented.

Furthermore, in accordance with the above-described exemplaryembodiments, the light-condensing layer 200 and the light-guiding layer300 may be arranged between the display panel 110 and the photosensorlayer 400, thus not only increasing received light amounts ofphotosensors PHS but also improving light-guiding properties between thedisplay panel 110 and the photosensor layer 400. Accordingly, asignal-to-noise ratio may be improved, and the reliability of thefingerprint sensor may be secured.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of theappended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display panelcomprising a display area and a plurality of pixels arranged in thedisplay area; a photosensor layer comprising a sensing area overlappingthe display area and a plurality of photosensors arranged in the sensingarea; and a light-guiding layer arranged between the display panel andthe photosensor layer, the light-guiding layer comprising a plurality oflight-transmission holes corresponding to the plurality of photosensors,wherein the light-guiding layer comprises a transparent tube bundlecomprising a plurality of transparent tubes forming thelight-transmission holes.
 2. The display device according to claim 1,wherein the light-guiding layer further comprises a light-shielding filmprovided on a cylindrical surface of each of the transparent tubes. 3.The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the transparenttubes comprises a functional coating film provided on at least one of atop surface and a bottom surface thereof.
 4. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the transparent tubes is formed ofan optical fiber.
 5. The display device according to claim 1, whereinthe plurality of pixels emit light to a front surface of the displaypanel, and the photosensor layer is arranged on a rear surface of thedisplay panel.
 6. The display device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a light-condensing layer arranged between the display paneland the photosensor layer to overlap the light-guiding layer.
 7. Thedisplay device according to claim 6, wherein the light-condensing layercomprises at least one of: a first light-condensing layer arrangedbetween the display panel and the light-guiding layer; and a secondlight-condensing layer arranged between the light-guiding layer and thephotosensor layer.
 8. The display device according to claim 6, whereinthe light-condensing layer comprises a plurality of condensing patternsthat protrude in a direction towards the photosensor layer.
 9. Thedisplay device according to claim 8, wherein the light-condensing layercomprises at least one of: a first direction prism sheet having a prismpattern extending along a first direction; a second direction prismsheet having a prism pattern extending along a second direction crossingthe first direction; a dot-shaped prism sheet comprising a dot-shapedprism pattern; and a lens sheet having a dot-shaped lens array.
 10. Thedisplay device according to claim 9, wherein the prism pattern comprisesa protrusion that has a triangular section, an apex angle of thetriangular section ranging from about 60° to 120°, or the protrusion hasa shape of a curved surface.
 11. The display device according to claim6, wherein the light-condensing layer is configured to be integratedwith the display panel.
 12. The display device according to claim 1,wherein: each of the plurality of pixels comprises at least onelight-emitting element; and at least some of the plurality ofphotosensors comprise a light-receiving unit disposed between lightemission regions of at least two adjacent pixels.